Linen is popular now — from women’s suits to $20 wide-leg pants to organic sheets.

But linen is nothing new. Humans have coveted the fabric for thousands of years, from Mesopotamia to Ancient Egypt. Historians date its use back 36,000 years to a cave in present-day Southeastern Europe.

One reason for its staying power? It’s an incredibly practical and elegant fabric, from its inimitable texture and drape to its unparalleled airflow, lightweight, and durability. Linen is also moisture-absorbent, fast-drying, and strong, making it ideal for summer garments and year-round bedding. The textured fabric is coarser than cotton, but it softens over time and never pills or sheds.

Shop Avocado GOTS-Certified Organic Linen Sheets and Duvet Covers.

Organic linen is also one of the most sustainable fabrics on the planet. Linen is woven from the renewable stalks of the flax plant, one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. The entirety of the plant is harvested (its seeds are common for baking), and if untreated, the fabric is entirely biodegradable. The best linen is loomed in France, where the climate and tradition elevate linen quality.

Farmers grow non-organic linens with nitrates, which can pollute waterways and damage ecosystems. That’s why you should always look for GOTS-certified organic (CU 863637) linen, the highest standard of third-party screening for pesticides and other toxins.

We all sleep better when our body temperature lowers at night, and no fabric is more breathable, effective at conducting airflow, and cooler than linen. It’s no wonder that as we all focus more on our homes and health, the popularity of linen sheets has renewed fervor. There may be no fabric better suited for our rest and wellness.